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D7 Visa

D7 Visa Portugal 2026: Income, Documents & Step by Step

Bruna BarretoBy CEO — Bruna Barreto June 2026

What the D7 Visa is and who it was created for

The D7 visa, created in 2007, is a residency permit for non-EU citizens who want to live in Portugal sustained by passive or remote income — without the need for local employment. Retirees with a foreign pension, property owners with rental income, investors with regular dividends, or professionals working remotely for companies outside Portugal are the most common profiles.

Unlike the Golden Visa, the D7 does not require a minimum investment in Portugal. What it requires is that the applicant proves sufficient income to support themselves in the country — and that they are willing to actually live in Portugal, spending most of the year in the territory.

Minimum income required in 2026

The D7 does not have a legally fixed amount, but AIMA's and Portuguese consulates' practice follows a reference directly linked to the national minimum wage. In 2026, the national minimum wage is €1,020 per month, and the income reference for the D7 is typically around that figure — with additions for each included family member:

  • Main applicant: approximately 100% of the monthly minimum wage (≈€1,020/month)
  • Spouse or partner: addition of 50% (≈€510/month extra)
  • Each dependent child: addition of 30% (≈€306/month per child)

Note: these figures are practical references based on AIMA and consulate practice. There are no legally fixed amounts — the assessment is case-by-case and can vary. Always confirm the current requirements before submitting an application.

Types of income accepted

The D7 is flexible about the source of income, as long as it is regular, provable, and from outside Portugal (or from passive income in Portugal). The most common types include:

  • Pensions and retirement payments from foreign social security systems
  • Rental income from properties (in Portugal or abroad)
  • Dividends from company shareholdings
  • Interest and income from financial investments
  • Royalties and intellectual property income
  • Remote work income from employers outside Portugal

Remote work income for foreign companies is technically accepted under the D7, but it is worth noting that there is a specific visa for this profile — the D8, created in 2022 — which may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

Documents required for the application

The documentation required for the D7 is split across two moments: the visa application at the Portuguese consulate in the country of residence, and the residency permit application to AIMA after arriving in Portugal.

For the D7 visa (at the consulate):

  • Valid passport with at least three months of validity beyond the planned entry date
  • Recent passport-type photograph
  • Proof of means of subsistence (bank statements, pension receipts, income declarations)
  • Proof of accommodation in Portugal (lease agreement, property deed, or invitation letter)
  • Criminal record from the country of origin, apostilled, issued within the last three months
  • Health insurance with coverage in Portugal valid during the stay
  • Completed visa application form

For the residency permit (at AIMA, after arriving in Portugal):

  • Valid D7 visa
  • Passport
  • Portuguese NIF
  • Proof of address in Portugal
  • Updated proof of income
  • Updated criminal record (may be required again)

The process step by step

Step 1 — Preparation: gather all documentation, open a bank account in Portugal (possible online with some banks), obtain a NIF.

Step 2 — Visa at the consulate: schedule and attend the Portuguese consulate in the country of residence with complete documentation. Visa issuance timelines vary by consulate — from two weeks to several months depending on workload.

Step 3 — Arrival in Portugal: the D7 visa allows entry and stay in Portugal for four months, during which the holder must submit the residency permit application to AIMA.

Step 4 — Residency permit application to AIMA: submission of the application with complete documentation. AIMA issues a submission confirmation that serves as proof of legal residency during the process.

Step 5 — Biometrics scheduling and title issuance: after the application is validated, biometrics collection is scheduled and the residence permit is issued.

Minimum stay in Portugal

Unlike the Golden Visa — which requires only seven days per year — the D7 presupposes effective residency in Portugal. There is no legally defined minimum in number of days, but AIMA requires the holder to demonstrate that Portugal is effectively their primary country of residence. Prolonged absences (more than six consecutive months, or eight non-consecutive months in any year) can jeopardise renewal of the permit.

Path to citizenship

With the new nationality law in force since May 2026, the D7 has the same naturalization timelines as the Golden Visa: seven years for EU and CPLP citizens, ten years for all other nationalities. The practical difference is that, with the D7, time in Portugal is actually lived — which can make it easier to meet other naturalization requirements, such as Portuguese language proficiency.

D7 vs Golden Visa: the right choice depends on the profile

The D7 is the better option for those who actually want to move to Portugal and have regular passive income without needing capital for investment. The Golden Visa is more suitable for those who want to maintain their life outside Portugal and have investment capacity. Read our detailed comparison at Golden Visa vs D7: which visa to choose to live in Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about your D7 eligibility?

Income requirements, accepted documentation, and the step-by-step process vary depending on your country of origin and family situation. Our team can help clarify your specific case.